Q What will the Minneapolis Wi-Fi network mean for someone like me who has Wi-Fi service through Qwest already? Do I need service from Qwest, or will Minneapolis Wi-Fi cover me?
Steve Alexander: Citywide wireless is another option for home service
February 26, 2008 at 11:53PM
JENNICA DATE, MINNEAPOLIS
A You'll have the choice of using either Qwest or the Wi-Fi network.
The Wi-Fi service you have now exists only within your home. It comes from a Wi-Fi router that's attached to your wired Qwest DSL modem. The router lets your laptop computer in another room use the DSL connection without being attached to it. However, your home Wi-Fi signal travels only a few hundred feet.
The Minneapolis Wi-Fi network from US Internet will offer wireless connectivity throughout the city. You can get a Wi-Fi connection on your laptop while at home, or carry your laptop to Lake Harriet and get Wi-Fi service there.
The other difference is price. Minneapolis Wi-Fi prices can be found at www.startribune.com/a4047. Compare them with what you're paying for Qwest service now.
Q How can I convert my CD collection to MP3 music files, and then convert some of the MP3 files to the WAV file format used on music CDs?
JOHN CASSIDY, DAYTON
A Download Apple's free iTunes software from www.startribune.com/a4048 and use it to import your CDs as MP3 files. You can find out how to do that at www.startribune.com/a4049 or www.startribune.com/a4052.
To convert MP3 files to WAV, burn the songs to a CD using iTunes' "audio CD" format. The resulting WAV files are compatible with CD players, but the song title information will be lost in the conversion. See www.startribune.com/a4050. If you like, you can use Windows Explorer to copy the WAV files from the disc back to your PC and rename them with the song title information.
Q I am unable to open video clips from my Kodak digital camera with my new Windows Vista computer. I have tried using RealPlayer and Windows Media Player, but the video won't run and I get a message saying that Windows is closing the program. What should I do?
SUSAN CASPER, SHAKOPEE
A It isn't a Windows Vista issue, but rather one of having the correct media-playing software on your PC. I had the same problem playing video from my Kodak camera until I discovered that it produces video in the Apple QuickTime file format. You can watch that video on your PC by downloading the free QuickTime program at www.startribune.com/a4051.
Steve Alexander covers technology for the Star Tribune. E-mail your technology questions to tech@startribune.com or write Tech Q&A, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488-0002. Please include a full name, city and phone number.
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